The vast majority of freelancers like being independent workers -- right up until they have to deal with the added complexity it puts on their taxes. If you freelanced in 2012, here's what you should know, before those 1099 forms start arriving.

If you have to write the IRS a check every year, there's a chance you could get even worse news from the tax man: an extra bill for interest and penalties. How can you avoid that? Welcome to the nerve-wracking world of estimated tax payments.